A milestone in affordable senior housing in Freeport

The completion of the Allan and Geraldine Rosenberg Residence in Freeport, Nassau County, marks a significant achievement in affordable housing for seniors.

The Allan and Geraldine Rosenberg Residence’s completion in Freeport, marked by a ribbon-cutting event on Sept 19, signifies a noteworthy milestone in affordable housing development, featuring sustainability and well-being amenities designed for residents aged 55 and older.

“The Selfhelp Realty Group, spearheaded by Evelyn J. Wolff, was instrumental in the development of Alan and Geraldine Rosenberg Residence here in Freeport. Nassau County senior residents need affordable housing and this development addresses this need for our seniors,” Mayor Robert Kennedy said.

“This beautiful 45-unit building also sports a roof garden, sufficient on-site parking for all the residents and is handicap accessible. On behalf of the residents of Freeport, Trustees, and myself, I want to thank Evelyn for her insight and dedication to Freeport and Nassau County seniors.”

The Allan and Geraldine Rosenberg Residence’s completion in Freeport, marked by a ribbon-cutting event on Sept 19, signifies a noteworthy milestone in affordable housing development, featuring sustainability and well-being amenities designed for residents aged 55 and old

This housing development is designed for individuals aged 55 and above and stands as a testament to sustainability and well-being. The building offers on-site support services and various amenities aimed at improving residents’ long-term health, enhancing their quality of life, and enabling them to age in place.

“Every New Yorker deserves the opportunity to live independently in a vibrant community that supports them as they age,” Governor Hochul said in a press release. “Developments like this one connect older adults with each other and with the services they need to thrive. At the same time, they address the urgent need for high quality, sustainable housing on Long Island that is both good for residents and good for the environment.”

This development aligns with Governor Kathy Hochul’s comprehensive Housing Plan, a $25 billion initiative aimed at creating or preserving 100,000 affordable homes across New York State.

Additionally, it includes plans for 10,000 units with support services for vulnerable populations, along with the electrification of 50,000 more homes.

The building, at 81 South Bergen Place, comprises 44 one-bedroom apartments and one two-bedroom unit reserved for an on-site manager. All apartments are accessible to households earning at or below 60 percent of the Area Median Income. 

“Through this important development, we are taking a key step toward fulfilling our mission to provide safe, decent, and affordable senior housing as well as assistance for some of our most vulnerable residents,” Nassau County Legislator Debra Mulé said in a press release. “I am delighted to witness this completion of this project here in Freeport and appreciate the State’s partnership in bringing this collaborative effort to fruition.”

Notably, 14 apartments are designated for individuals experiencing homelessness, offering them rental subsidies and support services funded through the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative, managed by the New York State Department of Health. Selfhelp Community Services, Inc. will also provide on-site social services through SHASAM (Selfhelp Active Services for Aging Model), which aims to help older adults maintain their independence as they age.

The building adheres to Passive House design principles, incorporating energy-efficient materials and systems, along with rain and stormwater storage systems. Studio Libeskind, the architectural firm behind the design, integrated a community room, shared residential hallways, a communal atrium, and a rooftop walking path.

The total project cost of $25 million received significant state financing, including $18.4 million in federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits from New York State Homes and Community Renewal. CPC Mortgage Company contributed $4.7 million in Freddie Mac mortgage financing, and Nassau County provided an additional $800,000. Funding was also sourced from the Weinberg Foundation and TD Bank. Selfhelp Realty Group, Inc. served as the project’s developer.

“Congratulations to the Village of Freeport, NYS Homes and Community Renewal, Selfhelp Community Services and everyone involved in getting the Allan and Geraldine Rosenberg Residence over the finish line,” State Senator Kevin Thomas said in a press release. “I proudly fought to secure additional funding for low-income housing development in the State budget to support projects like this. Bringing affordable and sustainable housing to our senior community, especially with onsite access to assistance, will greatly improve their quality of life. I look forward to watching these residents flourish in the next chapter of their lives.”